“Our mission is really to transform the art world through this radically open, global art competition and cultural experience in Grand Rapids.”
Executive Director of ArtPrize Catlin Whitington presented plans for this year’s ArtPrize competition to the Grand Rapids City Commission.
“We hope that it will start conversation and ignite creativity, discovery, and discourse about art as well transforming the urban environment that we live in.”
The Commission approved a resolution designating ArtPrize 2024 as a special event. That designation allows for art to be displayed in public spaces, sets boundaries for the event throughout the city, allows for the sale of alcohol in specific event spaces and during specific times, and grants permission for a commercial-grade firework display from the Gillett Bridge for the event’s opening ceremony.
“So, this year we have over 950 registered artists, 873 entries, 170 venues. Our artists represent 35 states and 42 countries, and so we’re really excited about the national and even international presence of artists that we’re bringing to ArtPrize this year.”
This is the 15th year for the art competition, which runs September 13th through the 28th. Organizers are expecting over 700,000 visitors to the city during that time.
